Evanston strengthens sanctuary city ordinance

Evanston city leaders on Monday unanimously approved strengthening the town's sanctuary city ordinance, committing to help make Evanston "one of the most immigrant-friendly cities in the country," according to the staff report.

Those at the dais said they are proud of Evanston's reputation as a progressive city, but work remains to be done to ensure all really do feel at home here.

"This is about welcoming people to our community and I'm proud to be able to support it," said Ald. Donald Wilson, 4th. He made his comments in front of an audience that overflowed city council chambers. Dozens spoke in favor of the new rules.

The ordinance passed Monday night established Evanston as a "Welcoming City." Namely, the new rules prohibited Evanston police from holding undocumented immigrants for immigration authorities after a stop, according to staff reports. Exceptions include those convicted for serious crimes or already sought via an arrest warrant.

Evanston's Welcoming City Ordinance was modeled after an ordinance of the same name in the city of Chicago. It updated Evanston's original sanctuary city ordinance, which was passed in 2008, according to staff reports.

Chicago's Welcoming City Ordinance was first passed in 2012 and updated in October, according to staff reports.

Those in the audience spoke unanimously in support of the welcoming city ordinance and encouraged additional oversight for Evanston police.

Father Robert Oldershaw, former pastor with St. Nicholas Parish, said he spoke as a voice for the Latino population that continues to grow in his church.

"Some folks told me they couldn't sleep for three to four nights after the election," Oldershaw said. "It will lift their spirits, even those facing deportation, to know there are welcoming cities like Evanston."

Northwestern University student Fatima Gomez, 21, said the ordinance would ensure guests from around the world feel comfortable visiting the campus.

"Not passing this ordinance would discourage students of color from applying at Northwestern," Gomez said.